The Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro: A Heartwarming Italian Classic 🍝❤️🍅
1. Introduction

Welcome to the world of comforting flavors with our delightful Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro! This dish is a heartfelt tribute to simple, yet incredibly satisfying, Italian cuisine. It bursts with the freshness of ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Often considered a quintessential comfort food classic, this spaghetti dish is ideal for cozy family dinners, impressing on special occasions, or even enjoying during a quiet night in. The vibrant red sauce, perfectly coating the al dente pasta, makes it hard to resist the simple allure of an expertly crafted Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro. If you love Italian cuisine, you should try our pasta recipes.
Let’s dive into this wonderfully easy-to-follow recipe and bring the authentic taste of Italy directly to your kitchen! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this Spaghetti Pomodoro inspired by The Bear is guaranteed to be a success. For another delicious Italian-inspired dish, check out our How I Met Your Mother Pizza Slice recipe.
2. Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 800g ripe tomatoes (or canned San Marzano tomatoes) – San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and low acidity, perfect for a classic Spaghetti Pomodoro.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic base.
- Fresh basil leaves (a generous handful) – Basil provides a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
- 60ml extra virgin olive oil – Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously to enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving) – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness to finish the dish; alternatively use Pecorino Romano.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Begin by filling a large pot with ample water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt – this not only seasons the pasta itself, but also helps it to cook evenly. Drop in the 400g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, especially in the first few minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Remember, achieving perfectly cooked spaghetti – firm to the bite – is absolutely key to creating a truly glorious Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro. And while you wait, why not check out another one of our dinner recipes?
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the spaghetti is cooking to that perfect al dente texture, it’s time to turn our attention to preparing the vibrant and flavorful tomato sauce. If you’ve opted to use fresh tomatoes (and we highly recommend it when in season!), start by blanching them in boiling water for approximately 1 minute. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water – this process makes the skins incredibly easy to peel off. Chop the peeled tomatoes and set them aside, ready to transform into that luscious sauce. Next, gather your freshly minced garlic and a generous handful of fresh basil leaves. These aromatic ingredients will impart that distinctive, mouthwatering quality that makes our Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro so special. You can use some basil for the Brooklyn Nine-Nine Meatball Sub as well, if you want to cook more!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 60ml of good quality extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. You want it to become fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic oils into the olive oil. Add the chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the tomatoes are well coated with the garlic-infused oil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a robust and deeply flavorful tomato sauce perfectly suited for our classic Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro. If you’re interested in more recipes from “The Bear,” check out this article.
Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the spaghetti is perfectly cooked al dente, immediately drain it, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the simmering tomato sauce. Toss well, using tongs, to ensure that each strand of spaghetti is lovingly coated in that incredibly rich and flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a beautiful, emulsified consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped. Finish with a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese. Your delectable Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro is now ready to be served and thoroughly enjoyed! For other cuisine inspirations, you can try Better Call Saul Taco Plate!
4. Storage Tips
If, by some miracle, you happen to have any leftovers of your mouthwatering Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro, they can be easily stored. Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm it up gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist, or you can reheat it quickly in the microwave. You might find that the flavors have melded even further overnight, making it even tastier the next day! Like the Ted Lasso Fish and Chips, this keeps well!
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve your freshly prepared and utterly irresistible Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread – perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. A crisp, fresh green salad provides a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the pasta, creating a well-balanced and wholesome meal. For an extra touch of sophistication, consider pairing it with a glass of light-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Pinot Noir, to elevate your dining experience to new heights. It would also be delicious with the The Simpsons Flaming Moe Drink!
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned tomatoes for Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro?
Absolutely! While fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal, especially during the summer months, high-quality canned tomatoes, particularly San Marzano tomatoes, are an excellent and convenient alternative. They offer a consistent flavor and save valuable preparation time. In fact, many chefs prefer using canned San Marzano tomatoes for their concentrated sweetness and low acidity, which contributes to a perfectly balanced Spaghetti Pomodoro.
Is Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, indeed! This classic recipe is inherently vegetarian, relying solely on the natural flavors of fresh vegetables, herbs, and high-quality olive oil to create its incredibly flavorful sauce. It’s a fantastic option for those following a vegetarian diet or simply looking for a light and wholesome meal. It’s also similar to the Wednesday Gothic Chocolate Cake and Gilmore Girls Homemade Cookies in that it’s completely vegetarian!
Can I freeze Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro?
While fresh pasta is always best enjoyed immediately for its optimal texture, you can certainly freeze the tomato sauce itself for future use. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Frozen tomato sauce can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator or heat it gently on the stovetop. Prepare fresh spaghetti and toss it with the reheated sauce for a quick and satisfying meal!
7. Nutritional Information
A single serving of our delectable Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro contains approximately 350 calories, making it a relatively light and healthy meal option. It’s a good source of complex carbohydrates from the spaghetti, providing sustained energy, and is packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh tomatoes and basil. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice. This dish has fewer calories than the Breaking Bad Ice Cream Bowl!
8. Variations
One of the wonderful things about Spaghetti Pomodoro is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch to the recipe. Consider incorporating sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for a more substantial and nutritious sauce. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a splash of dry white wine to enhance the depth of flavor. For those who prefer a heartier meal, you can easily add protein options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
9. Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to make a truly delicious and authentic Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro, it’s time to gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure! This dish is not only incredibly easy and quick to prepare, but it also delivers a wonderful symphony of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm the hearts of your loved ones. So, go ahead, unleash your inner chef and create a memorable meal that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Italy! Buon Appetito! 🍽️🌿
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The Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Italy with our Bear Spaghetti Pomodoro! This classic dish features al dente spaghetti perfectly coated in a vibrant tomato sauce, making it a go-to comfort food for family dinners and special occasions.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 800g ripe tomatoes (or canned San Marzano tomatoes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt; add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- If using fresh tomatoes, blanch for 1 minute in boiling water, then peel and chop.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds; add chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Drain spaghetti and toss with the sauce; garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat when ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg